The Art of Bartering

Why do we need to bring back the old art known as bartering?

In order to answer this question, we need to look at what exactly bartering is and how it works. Bartering is the act of trading one good or service for another without using a medium of exchange such as money. Bartering is done between two parties that decide to voluntarily create an exchange system that does not involve the govt or banks.

Ex. 1 – Jane has an orange tree in her yard that produces more oranges than she can possibly pick in a season. Her next door neighbor Betty, has an apple tree that produces more apples than she can possibly pick in a season. Jane and Betty discuss and come to the mutual agreement that they will exchange fruit to add more nutrients to each family’s diet. Both families live happily eating their apples and oranges.

Ex. 2 – A widget on Bob’s work truck has stopped working but to buy this part is very expensive. His next door neighbor Carl, just so happens to have said widget in his tool box. Carl and Bob discuss how they can mutually help one another. Carl recently had back surgery and is unable to mow his lawn, this prompts Bob to suggest that he mow Carl’s lawn for one month in exchange for the widget. Both men agree while having no money exchange hands. Bob is now able to return to work to make his income and Carl can rest easy knowing his lawn is cared for. Yay!

Find a cardboard box and start collecting items around your house that you no longer have a need for. Items such as produce from a market garden, homemade soap, homemade wine/mead/beer, flower water, extracts, perennial/annual plants, hygiene products, pantry supplies, shoes, children’s toys/clothing, candles, flavored oils, baby formula, farm animals, coffee, batteries, lighters/matches, first aid supplies, kitchen appliances, and garden supplies are all items that can be found being exchanged in bartering groups.

While most bartering exchanges are legit, you should always be cautious and responsible when picking up your bartering items. Make sure you either meet at a public location or take someone with you if you are picking up from someone else’s home. I would personally recommend that you do NOT exchange items for jewelry, unless you are trained in identifying real gemstones from those that are fake. If you are exchanging something rather large for a vehicle, make sure the individual has the actual title in hand with their name as owner clearly on the paperwork, even calling the DMV for verification if need be. Some communities have yearly garage sales so it’s perhaps possible to initiate a bartering exchange in a similar fashion.

If you are looking for online communities, look no further than craigslist.org where you should be able to find a local listing for bartering under the for sale section. They also have a *free* section that you should definitely check out as well. Social media like facebook, gab, mewe, and telegram all have groups that are set up for local exchanges. Before you do any posting, be sure to check out their “prohibited items” which can vary from site to site.

Happy Bartering!